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Can Mothers with Tuberculosis Continue Breastfeeding?
Short answer is – YES! But it depends if the mother has an untreated active TB or is already receiving TB treatment. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection of the lungs due to the bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually affects the lungs but can also infect the kidney, spine and brain and can be…
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Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe for Breastfeeding Mothers?
Short answer is YES. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021), “COVID-19 Vaccination is recommended for all people 12 years and older, including people who are breastfeeding”. However, clinical trials on COVID-19 Vaccines in the US did not include breastfeeding mothers – thus, there is limited data on the safety and effects…
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Medications Guide for Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding mothers are often concerned about the safety of drinking medications or receiving vaccinations while breastfeeding. Some medications are able to pass through the breastmilk and be indirectly ingested by the infant while some medications do not. To make things simpler, here is a quick list of medications that are safe to drink, medications that…
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What to do if your baby has jaundice (yellowing of the skin)?
Image Source: www.emedihealth.comNewborn or Infant Jaundice is a yellowing of a baby’s skin and eyes. It is very common and can occur when babies have a high level of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during normal breakdown of red blood cells. This usually occurs because a baby’s liver isn’t mature enough to get rid of…
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Feeding Tips for Babies with Cleft Palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are some of the most common congenital oral and facial deformities in newborns. It could be due to a genetic predisposition or exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy such as nicotine from smoking or second-hand smoke, alcohol and antiepileptic drugs. These substances can affect the normal development of the face…
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Medications Guide for Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding mothers are often concerned about the safety of drinking medications or receiving vaccinations while breastfeeding. Some medications are able to pass through the breastmilk and be indirectly ingested by the infant while some medications do not. To make things simpler, here is a quick list of medications that are safe to drink, medications that…
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Common Breastfeeding Problems and How to Manage Them
Image Source: Shutterstock.com Breastfeeding problems such as sore nipples, skin problems, mastitis and nipple problems may hinder effective breastfeeding or cause discomfort to the mother. The following are some of the common breastfeeding problems, their causes and how to manage them. Sore or cracked Nipples Sore nipples can be seen as crack, wound, bleeding or…
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Breastfeeding as a Family Planning Method
Did you know that exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months can be a natural contraceptive method? This process is known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) which is a contraceptive method where the mother is informed and supported in using breastfeeding as a contraceptive method. The sucking stimulus during breastfeeding activates the secretion of…
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Practical Tips for Successful Breastfeeding
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for infants 0 – 6 months. However, breastfeeding problems such as inadequate breastfeeding frequency, improper breastfeeding position, poor attachment and ineffective suckling may hinder effective breastfeeding and cause discomfort for the mother. Here are some practical tips for successful breastfeeding: 1. Breastfeed on demand, both day and night (8-12 times) to…
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Breastfeeding Positions that can help in Successful Breastfeeding
Good positioning helps ensure that the baby suckles well, helps the mother produce continuous breast milk supply and helps make the session more comfortable for both the mother and baby. The four key points about the baby’s position are: straight, facing the breast, close and supported. The following are the different breastfeeding positions and some…
